New from Volkswagen for 2012

New cars from Volkswagen for the 2012 model year.

It's a busy year for VW, which is in the midst of a big effort to dramatically increase the number of cars it sells in North America. A new Beetle arrives in October. It will be powered by the familiar 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and the 2.0-liter turbo four. Next year a TDI arrives, almost certainly getting better than 40 mpg on the highway. The sportiest model, the 2.0L TSI, has a standard 6-speed or optional DSG gearbox; in addition to sport-tuned suspension, this model has larger brakes and a "kaeferfach" glovebox that's like that of the original Beetle. Look for a convertible in a year or so.

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Performance aficionados will be pleased with the arrival of the new Golf R and Jetta GLI. When the R arrives in 2012 it will be the most powerful Golf sold in the U.S. Available as 3- or 5-door hatch, the R is powered by a 2.0L TSI that sends 256 bhp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual. With sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes, the R may make a habit of showing its dual-outlet center exhaust to its competitors.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Not quite as sporty, but still fun, is the new Jetta GLI. It's fitted with the 200-bhp 2.0L TSI engine and has independent rear suspension in place of the standard Jetta's torsion beam axle. Moreover, a 6-speed manual is standard, although a dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel paddles is optional.

Other significant VWs include the larger, designed-for-America Passat. The base model, powered by the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, is priced at an affordable $19,995. Other models include a 2.0-liter TDI that gets 43 mpg on the highway and the 3.6-liter VR6, which sends its 280 bhp to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

2012 Volkswagen Passat

In other news, the Eos—not the new Golf Cabrio available in Europe—will continue as VW's convertible, with refreshed styling inside and out. Similarly, the attractive CC also benefits from some slight interior changes.

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